Microsoft and Apple's fierce battle: Zune preloaded with music video programs

EMI said on Thursday in New York that it has signed an agreement with Microsoft to pre-install music video programs on the soon-to-be-launched Zune digital media player.

EMI said this deal would make programs of singers, including Jared Leto, appear on Zune.

This news effectively countered some rumors in the media: that is, Microsoft would be forced to achieve video capability after the launch of Zune. People from record companies who have seen Zune said that wireless functions and the ability to allow users to share music with each other are what distinguish Zune from Apple's iPod.

Kepler, executive vice president of EMI, said that in establishing the digital music market, Apple had always been an important partner, but the entry of other manufacturers was good news for singers and the entire industry.

According to the market research company NPD Group, iPod occupies more than half of the digital media player market. In the U.S. digital music market, iTunes' market share exceeds 70%.

EMI said that programs of its singers would be pre-installed on Zune along with programs from other record companies, but refused to disclose more details about Zune.

Universal Music said that it is negotiating with Microsoft regarding matters related to Zune, but refused to disclose more details. Warner Music and Sony BMG did not comment on this matter.